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Anti-Money Laundering Bill passed in National Assembly

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Published: 27 June 2015

June 26, 2015

Guyana Chronicle

GUYANA moves one step closer to becoming financially compliant with international regulations as the National Assembly yesterday passed the Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) Legislation. The bill, which will be put before President David Granger for his assent, was passed with the absence of the Opposition People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) in the National Assembly.

The bill, presented by Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Basil Williams, signals not only Guyana’s obligation to becoming an AML/CFT compliant regime, but also the commitment of the A Partnership for National Unity+ Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) coalition Government passing the bill in the 100-day plan of its manifesto.

Commonwealth Magistrates, Judges’ Association to hold conference in Guyana in 2016- Gov’t pledges full support

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Published: 26 June 2015

Written by Gina Webmasters Published inNews

Georgetown, GINA, June 24, 2015

The Guyana Government has pledged its full support to the Commonwealth Magistrates and Judges’ Association as they gear up to host a regional conference.

Earlier today, Secretary General of the Association, Dr Karen Brewer met with Head of State, David Granger at the Ministry of the Presidency. Also attending the meeting were, Attorney General, Basil Williams, Chancellor of the Judiciary (ag) Carl Singh, Minister of State, Joseph Harmon, and Minister of Governance, Raphael Trotman.

According to the Attorney General, Dr. Brewer is visiting Guyana as the Association has proposed to host a regional conference in this country in September 2016.

Constitution Amendment, AML/CFT Bills read before National Assembly

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Published: 26 June 2015

Guyana Chronicle

June 26, 2015

ATTORNEY-General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Basil Williams yesterday read the Constitution (Amendment) Bill 2015, and the Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (Amendment) Bill 2015 for the first time in the National Assembly. The introduction of these Bills in the House signals the resolve of the Coalition Government to fulfilling those commitments in the 100-day plan of its Manifesto.

Contrary to popular belief that the Opposition People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) is needed to advance the Government’s Constitution (Amendment) Bill in the National Assembly, Williams is confident that that is not necessary.

In an interview with this publication, he said, “We don’t require [a] two-thirds majority to amend the particular provision that is under the microscope.”

‘Authority’ will be set up to liaise with FIU

…to combat money laundering By Abena RockcliffeThe Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) will undergo some major changes. Those changes will take effect after

the passage of the Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) Bill.That piece of legislation, which is set to be tabled on Thursday, sets out an entire different structure for the FIU especially since it provides for the establishment of an Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism Authority (AML/CFTA).In accordance with the Act, the Authority and the FIU will have to liaise to attain “maximum coordination” to achieve the objectives of the Act.Legislation to address money laundering has been ever improving since its enactment in 2000. The Bill was amended in 2009 and is set again for yet another amendment.The Bill to be tabled on Thursday is dubbed the strongest. It is to be presented by Minister of Legal Affairs and Attorney General, Basil Williams.

ATTORNEY GENERAL and Legal Affairs Minister Basil Williams has disclosed a plan for major legislative reforms to secure the independence of constitutional agencies such as the Supreme Court of the Judicature, the Guyana Elections Commission [GECOM], Service Commissions, and Parliament. The reforms will be finalised in two bills, one of which the AG said will be tabled on or before the June 25 sitting of the National Assembly.

The Constitution Amendment Bill, Williams said, will secure the independence of the Supreme Court, GECOM, and Service Commissions. “That bill intends to restore the independence of certain constitutional bodies that were eroded by legislation that made them budget agencies,” Williams added.